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Running the risk on rail crossings

Pedestrians are running over rail crossings as the barriers come down Photo: Network Rail

Network Rail fears a tragedy could happen if people continue running across level crossings as the barriers come down.

There have been several incidents of pedestrians who have still been on the tracks, as the barriers are lowered around them.

They have now released CCTV pictures highlighting the number of people trying to cross when it's not safe.

Rail bosses say the problem is particularly bad at two crossings in Lincoln City Centre.

We regularly see people rushing across the level crossings at Lincoln High Street and Brayford Wharf once the warnings have started. Clearly this behaviour is highly reckless and dangerous.

– Phil Verster, route managing director for Network Rail

In one instance, a man was caught on camera lifting the barriers, to run across the tracks.

One man was caught on CCTV lifting the barrier Credit: Network Rail

Network Rail is now considering plans to build a two bridges over the crossings at High Street and Brayford Wharf.

Much level crossing misuse results from people not thinking about the risks but we believe frustration caused by the location of the crossings is also a factor in Lincoln. The crossings here are already the highest possible safety design so we needed a pragmatic, joint effort to further reduce the risk of misuse.